It has been quite a while since I shared a post. The primary reason for this has been what I’ll call my professional commitments during the last several months.
At the moment, I have more time to devote to our Role Reversal newsletter, so I’d like to take this opportunity to post something in memory of Sue – a dear friend and former neighbor of mine – who passed away four months ago.
Sue’s dear friend and proxy, Lisa, held a “celebration of life” for Sue on June 11th in Chicago. Unfortunately, my husband Marius and I were not able to attend, but I promised Lisa that I would write something which she could share with the family members and friends who did attend.
Below you’ll find Marius’ and my celebration of Sue’s life!
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Dear Lisa,
Dear Family and Friends of Sue,
My husband, Marius, and I are not able to be with you to celebrate Sue’s life. However, we are thinking of you, and especially of Sue – someone who was dear to all of us and will remain in our hearts and minds for years to come!
I met Sue in May 1997, about ten months after I moved into apartment 412 at Carl Sandburg Terrace on 1360 North LaSalle Drive in Chicago. I remember returning home from work one day, and there was Sue, standing in her doorway in 411 – right across from my apartment – talking to our neighbor Geri. What began as a mutual introduction and an exchange of a few pleasantries, developed into a very close and dear friendship.
Sue and I shared many conversations and glasses of wine. I remember with much fondness the times we went out to dinner, to the movies, to concerts, or plays. Our favorite restaurant was Dinotto’s on North Avenue. We also went on weekend trips to different places.
Sue was very interested in hearing about my job, my friends, and even my love life. Her approach may have been considered intrusive by some people. I never viewed it that way. Sue was genuinely interested in what went on in my life. She listened, and then she spoke, but not in a “here’s-what-you-have-to-do”, but rather in a “this-is-what-I’m-hearing” way. I always appreciated Sue’s insightfulness.
Sue knew it was my dream to live and work in Germany or Switzerland – the countries of my roots. In the fall of 1999, I was offered a job in Bern, Switzerland, which I accepted. Sue was very happy for me, and at the same time, sad to see me go, but our friendship overcame the physical distance. I’ll get back to that in a moment, but let me share a quick anecdote.
After I accepted the job in Switzerland, I didn’t know whether to sell my apartment, or rent it first, and sell it later. When I asked Sue what she thought, she said, “Jackie, you’ve wanted to make this move for a few years. I suggest you sell your place. Otherwise, you’ll have one foot here, and one foot there, but you won’t know where you truly belong.” I took Sue’s advice to heart and sold my place before I left Chicago in February 2000. When I now think about what Sue said, then I have to say, she was spot on!
I spent two days and nights with Sue before I flew to Zurich. She took me to the Signature Room at the 95th during my last evening in Chicago. I’ll never forget that evening with Sue and the wonderful view of the skyline we both enjoyed!!
During the last 22 years, Sue and I kept in touch…by phone, email, and through visits. She came to visit me in Switzerland, and I, or Marius and I both, visited Sue in the United States.
Sue and I travelled to Italy during the spring of 2001, where we left our mark on Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. What a memorable trip that was!
Sue was our ring-bearer during Marius’ and my wedding in Las Vegas in May 2002. She gave us the keys to her apartment in Puerta Vallarta, where Marius and I spent our honeymoon.
In September 2016 – the last time Marius and I saw Sue – we had a wonderful time with her and Lisa in Porto, Portugal. When we saw or spoke to Sue on the phone, it always felt like we were picking up where we left off the last time we saw or spoke to each other. That’s how I knew our friendship was extremely close.
I could go on, but I’ll close by saying that I consider myself extremely lucky to have met Sue in the spring of 1997, and to have known her for 25 years, be it from across the hall, or across many miles. Sue was a lovely and caring person, and a one-of-a-kind gal!! Marius and I miss her dearly, but she will remain in our hearts, minds, and soul forever. And we will continue to celebrate her life and what she brought to ours.
To you, Lisa, we want to say, “Thank you for EVERYTHING you did for Sue. We know she loved you dearly and thought the WORLD of you!!”
Much love from Switzerland,
Jackie and Marius
Thanks Jackie for a wonderful tribute for Sue - and thoughtful comments about her friend Lisa - we have an anonymous terrific poem "Family is Forever" at our home -- and your tribute captures a similar caption: "Good Friends Are Forever". Anne & Rich - ps: wishing you & Marius and family to be well and happy.
Jackie, this is a beautiful tribute to Sue (and I love the photos!). She treasured you just as deeply, and adored Marius as well. Sue was so full of life it is almost hard to believe she is gone. Thank you for sharing this ode!